Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just impacts storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most economical offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs comprehensive features for writing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who want to be able to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not permit particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only needs to replace http://emilianopezf102.image-perth.org/just-what-does-an-it-assistance-company-do placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users create the best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when files reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of organizations are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other business.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually since been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for teaming up within business. It is necessary to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally just keep in mind or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, but the functions found on Word might be absolutely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership till today day.